Controversy over the contrasting ambitions of Wout Van Aert and Jonas Vingegaard in the 2023 Tour de France blew up on the first mountain stage to Larns, as the two riders and their Jumbo Visma teammate, Tadej Pogachar's UAE team The UAE team led by Tadej Pogachar put the pressure on the Emirates.

In a series of chess-like situations favoring the braver players, Van Aert, along with Tiesj Benoot and Christophe Laporte, went on the attack with 37 players.

They had intended to go uphill to help on the descent to the finish in Vingegaard and on the valley road, but with eventual stage winner Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe) and other strong riders involved in important attacks, UAE Team Emirates forced the UAE Team Emirates to chase for most of the stage.

When Sepp Kuss attacked Vingegaard near the summit of the Col de Marie Blanc with 19km to go, Pogachar suddenly reeled him in and Vingegaard rode a great race, 53 seconds ahead of Pogachar in the overall classification.

"It gave Pogachar an unexpected advantage, and it's a good situation for GC," said Van Aat, amused that he was named the most aggressive rider for often pulling off attacks.

Jumbovisma's tactics were not perfect, but they were impressive. Vingegaard arrived at the top of the Col de Marie Blanc before Van Aert and Benoot, which meant that he would finish at the front of the chosen group.

"I have to watch the race again. I only saw Jonas for a split second when he passed me."

"He seems to have really good legs, perfect for the start of a mountain stage like this. It's more than I expected."

"I didn't have a clear plan of attack today, but the situation led me. We kept the pressure on all day and it was a hard stage for the group.

Thursday's mountain finish in Cortale-Cambasque was better suited to the GC battle and looked like a chance for Jumbo Visma to attack as a team.

They will continue to work for Vingegaard and take on UAE Team Emirates, but they also have a new rival. But now it seems that Jumbo-Visma, not UAE Team Emirates, is taking the lead.

"I was happy to make the break, but I actually didn't want to move Jai Hindley and Giulio Ciccone up to GC.

"Not only Tadej Pogachar, but Hindley is in front of us. He looks super strong, but we are also super confident right now."